A regional train derailed in northwestern France on Friday evening, leaving 44 people injured, authorities said.
The train was traveling between Rouen and Caen in Normandy when three cars left the tracks around 7:30 p.m. local time near the commune of Cléon, between Tourville and Elbeuf-Saint-Aubin. The train carried approximately 180 passengers at the time of the incident.
An 18-year-old woman sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to hospital by helicopter, according to state prosecutor Sébastien Gallois. Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said one woman had suffered severe injuries.
Police indicated the train struck an unidentified object before derailing. One car overturned and four additional cars left the rails, according to reports. The exact circumstances remain under investigation.
More than 140 firefighters and rescue personnel were deployed to the scene. The regional prefect traveled to the location to coordinate rescue operations, Tabarot said.
The national rail operator SNCF Réseau suspended service on routes between Rouen and Caen, as well as between Caen and Le Havre. Bus shuttle services were arranged to replace train service on the affected routes.
Tabarot initially reported approximately 20 injured in preliminary statements before the injury toll was revised upward to 44.